Masticular Myositis-anyone experience this?

[shadowmom]

Shadow is 1 1/2 yrs old. She had her normal check up last month and everything was fine, even teeth and gums. She stopped eating last Monday(a week ago today)and playing. We thought it was the heat as that was the start of a three day heat wave with temps near 100 degrees. She was drinking, so I didn't think anything more of it. When temps broke and humidity was gone, she still didn't eat, she would approach food and nose it, but not eat it. She wouldn't play with her toys either. This is same food she's been on, nothing else has changed. By the 5th day of not eating (and two days after the heat/humidity broke) I tried to check her mouth, but she yelps when I try to open her jaws. So we crushed her food and mixed it with water to make a mush. Boy did she eat that up! She is not opening her mouth to bark, not sure how she does that, but she is. The kids tried to get her to play ball, but she yelped when she went for it - the ball was not in her mouth - she yelped when she opened her mouth. Now today she has a terrible odor coming from her mouth, but she is still not opening it. I've researched symptoms on the internet and came up with this masticular myositis - anyone heard of it before? any other ideas?

 

[natrhymer]

I've heard of it; I thought our boy Dieter had it, due to muscle wasting on his head. But, we did a titers with the vet and he doesn't have myositis (at least no antibodies showed up for it). The vet figures it is some other autoimmune disease, but since our boy isn't in pain, we're just watching carefully and waiting. Does Shadow have any muscle deterioration on her head or neck? It's fairly obvious, Dieter looks like his head is dented in on one side.

I'd take your girl to the vet asap, and have some tests run, especially since it's obvious she's in pain. The treatment for myositis is steroids, and it's my understanding that it can be managed, at least for a few years, even sent into "remission." We send sloppy kisses and healing vibes to Shadow; good luck in getting her well!

 

[gmacleod]

I think you need to take your dog to a vet - fairly urgently. If this has been going on for 5+ days already, it's overdue.

You might have the right diagnosis, but you might not also Either way, it needs a doctor to treat it, and it's obviously affecting her quality of life. If it's not obvious to your vet what's wrong, then it's certainly worth mentioning your suspicion (in case they don't think of that condition).

 

[natrhymer]

You might have the right diagnosis, but you might not also

Exactly. My vet was SURE Dieter had myositis; turns out it wasn't. You've got to have the bloodwork done to be sure AND to determine the best treatment options, for whatever it turns out to be!

 

[shadowmom]

I agree about the vet and she does have an appt. But I like to do my homework, so to speak, before the vet so I have an idea of what they are talking about when I get there and in which direction(s) I should point my questions. Which is why I love this site and think it is a valuable resource as so many posts involve incorrect or hard to determine diagnosis for whatever reasons and the eventual outcome. To answer the question about the shape of her head: it is not sunken, swollen, or tender. There is less drool than usual, which is not alltogether unpleasant, but adds to the worry; her eyes are not weepy, bulging or otherwise different; she is not "wobbly" or unstable and is walking fine. Thank you both for your post, I really appreciate the input!

 

[Austin's Mom]

Could she maybe have a bad tooth? I would think that could cause pain and a smell from her mouth. Good luck, hope it isn't anything serious.